Daughter needs a car and of course has requirements...

[phylodog]

Hoping for some recommendations. My 19yo daughter has been driving our 2012 Ram 1500 since she got her permit and that poor thing has taken a beating. My daughter's been working a full time job for six months now and has saved up a nice amount to either buy outright or use as a down payment if she finances. She would prefer to buy outright ($10k budget) while I would prefer she spend more, get something newer/more likely to be reliable while establishing some credit.

At this point I'm not sure who will win but it's probably going to come down to the first vehicle which meets her requirements and is a viable option financially. She wants a manual and (surprisingly) doesn't want a truck and that's about it at this point. I'm not stuck on any particular brand, I just want to see it be money well spent. and I'm sure I'll make plenty of recommendations which will be shot down but I gotta try.

Any recommendations? Looking for a manual transmission car in the $10k-$25k range with a reputation for reliability. Points for style/appearance and she's got something again Subarus and the Prius so those are out.

 

[MCgrease08]

Honda Civic. They run forever, get good gas mileage, and are one of the few models that come in a manual these days.

You should easily be able to find one under $10k. It will probably have 100-150,000 miles, but that's just being broken in for a Honda.

 

[KellyinAvon]

Honda Civic. They run forever, get good gas mileage, and are one of the few models that come in a manual these days.

You should easily be able to find one under $10k. It will probably have 100-150,000 miles, but that's just being broken in for a Honda.

I'll second the Civic, look at a 3-year lease turn-in. If a manual is a must have, might be hard to find one in a base 4-door.

 

[DCR]

Honda Civic. They run forever, get good gas mileage, and are one of the few models that come in a manual these days.

You should easily be able to find one under $10k. It will probably have 100-150,000 miles, but that's just being broken in for a Honda.

18yo next door did exactly this. No problems that I'm aware of after about a year. I think it's an Accord though with 150k.

 

[DCR]

Reminded me of a story my used car dealer cousin in MS told me a few years back. A man came in with his daughter looking for $10k cars. Daughter was adamant about wanting a $20k car. Finally she threw a conniption fit. Dad said, "well I guess you're just not ready for a car yet. I'm sorry I wasted your time sir."

 

[INgunowner]

8th Gen Honda Civic
1st Gen Acura TSX

 

[Gingerbeardman]

I'm getting rid of a civic here soon... Automatic though. I love a manual and have had more manuals than automatics but I'll tell ya... Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic in an automatic, especially with this adaptive cruise control...I love it.

Also, we're a Honda family through and through when it comes to the daily drivers. Can't go wrong if it's been treated right!

 

[BigRed]

Civic

Carmax is worth a search

 

[Bugzilla]

Auto tempest is another good site. They kind of search all the auto sites so the selection can be better.

 

[wcd]

While not for sale we have a 2003 Civic Ex 140k miles on it , just tires , batteries, brakes , and of course oil changes

No muss no fuss

 

[flatlander]

We have 4 Civics. They are the safest and most dependable around.
1 son took out a deer on I69 and walked away w/o injury.
I T-boned a guy who ran a red light doing 55mph. Broke my wrist but walked away.

 

[indyblue]

Agree with the Honda.

I drove a 94 Integra for 14 years.
The only thing that broke on it was the clutch. Fixed that and drove it until the exhaust rusted away, and it cost more than the car was worth to repair.

Donated to Goodwill in the end.

 

[firecadet613]

Use www.cargurus.com while you're shopping, it'll rate the price and also let you know how long that vehicle's been on the market along with how long at that dealer.

 

[patience0830]

My only advice is do not ask her to change her mind about not borrowing money. There are tons of reliable cars in her price range but finding a manual transmission may be a trick.

 

[Born2vette]

Come on, 19yo? Needs something fun, good on gas, reliable =

Miata?

2000 Mazda Miata for sale in Westfield, IN - CARFAX

Make a more informed buying decision at CARFAX by first viewing vehicle history on this 2000 Mazda Miata.

www.carfax.com

Agree can’t go wrong with a Civic (si of course in red!)

2015 Honda Civic Si for sale in Avon, IN - CARFAX

Make a more informed buying decision at CARFAX by first viewing vehicle history on this 2015 Honda Civic Si.

www.carfax.com

Honda fit?

Used 2013 Honda Fit For Sale at Tom Wood Auto Group | VIN: JHMGE8G30DC043514

Used 2013 Honda Fit from Tom Wood Auto Group in Indianapolis, IN, 46280. Call 317-853-3888 for more information.

www.tomwood.com

More $ but more modern safety features, Mazda3

Used 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback For Sale at TOM ROUSH AUTO GROUP | VIN: JM1BPAML0N1520697

Used 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback from TOM ROUSH AUTO GROUP in Westfield, IN, 46074-9629. Call (317) 896-5561 for more information.

www.tomroush.com

Just a few thoughts from a quick search.

And remember to consider a Pre purchase inspection by someone you trust (shameless plug, my godson is a technician here). Watch this.

 

[BigRed]

https://www.carmax.com/car/26356669

https://www.carmax.com/car/25477839

https://www.carmax.com/car/26392664

Just a few examples

 

[gassprint1]

Honestly, keep helping her and let her save atleast 20k and buy new. Cars just aren't built to last like they were 20yrs ago..talking about the "foreign" name cars. Back then i would have chose a honda or Toyota over any American piece of crap. I have driven literally thousands of cars since 91 being i worked for a car dealer up till 2006. I'd look more at what the warranties are such as the kia and hyundai . 100k miles. She thinks she wants all the bells an whistles, which she'll find out the hard way that all that "extra" stuff just isn't worth it. I always thought i wanted a sun roof in a car years ago.. thats probably 1 of the most wasted aspects in a car. But i rarely see anything made without a sun roof. 1 of the biggest options that i think is a must especially for youbg drivers, is the winter package..heated mirrors, seats.

 

[Brad69]

Corvette

 

[dmarsh8]

Tough to find a manual, especially an un-abused one.
If you can find them, go with Toyota or Honda and Mazda.
Premium fuel is required in the Si civics best I can remember and will be higher on insurance if it matters.

Don't forget Accord and Camry, Mazda6 not just the compact Corolla and Civic and Mazda 3.

If I come across one soon I'll hop back on here.
I look through a thousand cars a week and rarely see any manuals period.

 

[42253]

Mustang Gt